Turbine energy generating system

ABSTRACT

A turbine energy generating system includes a combustion chamber for converting fuel into energy by igniting an air and fuel mixture, a turbine for converting energy produced by the combustion chamber into mechanical energy, and a generator for converting mechanical energy produced by the turbine into electrical energy in the range of 1 to 15 kilowatts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/358,577, filed Feb. 21, 2006, which claims the benefit ofU.S. provisional application entitled TURBINE ENERGY GENERATING SYSTEM,Ser. No. 60/655,168, filed Feb. 22, 2005, by Applicant Imad Mahawili,Ph.D, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to turbine energy generatingsystems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a turbineenergy generating system that can be used in a residential setting tosupplement or substitute for a conventional utility electrical supplysystem and, further, can be used as part of an energy supply network.

Today existing electric generating technologies include large scalesteam turbines producing electricity with a relatively low efficiencyrate. The large scale steam turbines often emit undesirable byproducts,such as sulfur oxides, nitrous oxides, ash, and mercury. Additionally,these large scale steam turbines emit a large amount of heat, which isgenerally released into lakes often disrupting the environment.

More recently it has been found that smaller scale turbines, such asmicro-turbines, fueled by natural gas can operate with greaterefficiency. During operation, the micro-turbines do not pollute to thesame degree as large scale steam turbines and instead emit elements suchas carbon dioxide and water, with only very low amounts of nitrogenoxides. Additionally, the heat recovery from operation of themicro-turbines is useful for heating water.

In many parts of the world there is a lack of electrical infrastructure.Installation of transmission and distribution lines to deliver theproduct to the consumer is very costly, especially in third worldcountries. Moreover, the electrical infrastructure in many countries isantiquated and overworked resulting in “brownouts” and “blackouts.”

Consequently, there is a need for an energy generating system that canproduce energy in a stand alone system or that can be integrated intoexisting systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a turbine energy generatingsystem that can be used independently of a conventional utilityelectrical supply system or can be integrated into a conventionalelectrical supply system to supplement the system or contribute to theenergy supply as part of a network.

In one form of the invention, a turbine energy generating systemincludes a combustion chamber for converting fuel into gaseous heatenergy, such as steam, by igniting an air and fuel mixture, a turbinefor converting the energy produced by the combustion chamber intomechanical energy and a generator for converting the mechanical energyproduced by the turbine into electrical energy.

The turbine energy generating system could be designed to produce 1 to15 kilowatts.

In another aspect of the invention, the generator may be an electricgenerator producing alternating electric current during operation of theturbine energy generating system. The fuel for the turbine energygenerating system may include any of the following: diesel, gasoline,naphtha, propane, methane, natural gas, wood, coal, biomass, lawnclippings, and oil, and combustible recyclables, such as tires,plastics, paper products, biogas, and biodiesels.

According to another aspect of the invention, the turbine energygenerating system further includes an exhaust passage downstream fromthe turbine delivering high temperature exhaust air from the turbine anda heat exchanger receiving the high temperature exhaust air for heattransfer. An air conditioning system may also be coupled to the heatexchanger. A water heating system for converting tap water into hotwater may be coupled to a heat exchange exhaust for releasing lowertemperature exhaust air. In one form of the invention the combustionchamber could be cooled with water with a heat exchange surface thatinduces water boiling into steam. Such generated steam could then becondensed yet in another heat exchanger to produce liquid potable waterfrom a variety of initial cooling water sources. This could be quite anovel advantage for the application of such turbine electric systems,whether using steam to generate the turbine driving energy or naturalgas combustion, where safe drinking water is desired.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the turbine energy generatingsystem may include a central controller and a plurality of turbineenergy generating systems connected over a network for communications.The central controller and the plurality of turbine energy generatingsystems may communicate information such as usage and spending throughan electric grid. The central controller may communicate with at leastone of the plurality of turbine energy generating systems to returnpower to the electric grid. Additionally, the central controller mayenable a one turbine energy generating system to provide a power load toanother turbine energy generating system through the electrical grid.The network may be an internet network using policy parameters frompower wheeling standards.

Another aspect of the invention, the turbine energy generating systemmay be portable or may be compatible for integration with a plurality ofenergy systems to provide power to an electrical distribution system andfurther may be configured for integration into a heating system, acooling system and/or a water heating system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a turbine energy generating systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the turbine energy generating system ofFIG. 1 attached to a switchboard controller and meter;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the turbine energy generating system ofFIG. 2 attached to a heating system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the turbine energy generating system ofFIG. 3 attached to an air conditioning system;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the turbine energy generating system ofFIG. 4 connected to a hot water heater;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the turbine energy generating system ofFIG. 5 connected to a water system, such as a hot water tank or waterboiler and condenser to produce potable water;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the turbine energy generating systemaccording to the present invention integrated into a house;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the house withthe turbine energy generating system and an electric generation powerplant;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between a plurality ofhouses with turbine energy generating systems, a grid, and the electricgeneration power plant;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between the pluralityof houses with turbine energy generating systems, a grid, the electricgeneration power plant, and a fuel source;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between a pluralityof houses with turbine energy generating systems, a grid, the electricgeneration power plant, and a central controller over a network;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the relationship between a pluralityof houses with turbine energy generating systems, a grid, the electricgeneration power plant and a central controller over a network usingpower wheeling standards;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the system of FIG. 12 with additionalsources of fuel;

FIG. 14 is a schematic drawing of another turbine energy generatingsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of one embodiment of the turbine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the turbine of FIG. 15 with the coverremoved;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the turbine wheel;

FIG. 18 is a cross-section of the turbine; and

FIG. 19 is cross-section along line XIX of FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a turbineenergy generating system 10 according to the present invention. As willbe more fully described below, turbine energy generating system 10 ofthe present invention converts fuel 18 into electrical power 28 that canbe used immediately, stored for later use, or delivered to a network fordistribution within the network, such as an electric company grid.

Turbine energy generating system 10 includes a combustion chamber 12, aturbine 14, and a generator 16, such as an electric generator andinverter. Turbine energy generating system 10 may be portable and easilytransportable between locations and buildings. Turbine 14 is preferablydimensioned such that it may portable and has an output in a range to 1to 15 kilowatts and more preferably in a range of 5 to 10 kilowatts. Inaddition turbine 14 may be configured to have an efficiency of at least40%, more preferably at least 50%, and more typically, in a range of 50%to 60%. Further details of a suitable turbine 14 are provided inreference to FIGS. 15-18. Additionally, turbine energy generating system10 is compatible for integration with other energy systems and systemsrequiring energy. This will be discussed in more detail below.

Fuel 18 is provided to combustion chamber 12, which converts the fuelinto gaseous heat energy 20 by igniting an air and fuel mixture. Gaseousheat energy 20 may include steam. For example, as will be described inreference to a later embodiment, chamber 12 may include water, which isheated and then circulated to produce steam, including high pressuresteam. Fuel 18 may include diesel, gasoline, naphtha, propane, methane,natural gas, wood, coal, biomass, lawn clippings, oil, combustiblerecyclables, such as tires, plastic, and paper products, biogas, orbiodiesels.

Gaseous heat energy 20 is provided to turbine 14, which converts thegaseous heat energy into mechanical energy 22. In addition, during theconversion of the gaseous heat energy 20 exhaust heat 24 is alsoproduced. Exhaust heat 24 is released out of an exhaust passage 26downstream from turbine 14. Exhaust heat 24 may be a high temperatureexhaust air.

Generator 16 converts mechanical energy 22 into electrical energy 28.Generator 16 may include a rotating rotor and a stator. The rotor may bea permanent magnet positioned rotatably within the stator and rotatesrelative to the stator during operation of turbine 14. Mechanical energy22 can be transferred to a shaft from turbine 14 to the rotor, so thatthe shaft, turbine 14 and rotor of generator 16 rotate in unison atspeeds, for example, of up to 90,000 rpms or more.

Referring to FIG. 2, turbine energy generating system 10 as illustratedin FIG. 1 may be attached to a switchboard controller and meter 30.Switchboard controller and meter 30 assists in the distribution ofelectric power to a building or location. Generally, the instant loadfrom turbine energy generating system 10 follows controller 30 of astandard home electrical box. Turbine energy generating system 10 iseasily compatible with all standard configurations for electrical boxcontrollers 30.

As best seen in FIG. 3, turbine energy generating system 10 of FIG. 2may be additionally attached to heating system 32 so that exhaust heat24 of energy generating system 10 may be used in a heating system 32.Heating system 32 may include heat exchanger 34 coupled to a heatingduct and fan setup 36. Heat exchanger 34 may use exhaust heat 24 toprovide exhaust heat 38 and/or output heat 40 for a location orbuilding. Heat exchanger 34 receives high temperature exhaust air 24from exhaust passage 26 downstream from turbine 14 for heat transfer. Inthis manner, turbine energy generating system 10 may assist with heatingrequirements for a location or building.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of turbine energy generating system 10 asillustrated in FIG. 3 attached to air conditioning system 42.Accordingly, turbine energy generating system 10 may satisfy orcomplement the cooling requirements for a location or building.

Additional components that may be added to system 10 include a watersystem 44. Referring to FIG. 5 the exhaust heat of heating system 32 ofFIG. 4 may be coupled to a water system 44. For example, the watersystem may comprise a hot water heater or water boiler 44 and condenserto produce potable water. Water heater 44 is connected to exhaust heat38 from heat exchanger 34. Water heater 44 receives water 46, and usingthe exhaust heat 38, produces hot water 48 and optionally exhaust heat50.

Referring to FIG. 6 exhaust heat 50 of hot water heater or boiler 44 ofFIG. 5, may be connected to a hot water tank 52, or as noted above to acondenser. Hot water tank 52 provides storage for hot water 48 from hotwater heater 44 for a location or building. The condenser condenses thesteam produced by the boiler into potable water. The resulting systemshown in FIG. 6 herein after is referred to as home energy system 60. Itshould be noted, that home energy system 60 is only illustrative and notmeant to be limiting of the application of energy system 60 to houses,but may also apply to other types of buildings, structures andlocations. Further, home energy system 60 may include integration of allor some of these systems: electrical system switch board and meter 30,heating system 32, air conditioning system 42, water system 44, with ahot water heater or boiler, and hot water storage tank 52 or a condenserfor producing potable water, as noted above. It should be appreciatedthat other types of systems related to houses, buildings, locations orstructures can be integrated with energy system 10, while keeping withinthe spirit of the invention. The integration of home energy system 60 isdiscussed in further detail below.

As generally noted above, energy system 60 may be integrated into ahouse 58, illustrated in FIG. 7, to supplement or substitute an existingenergy system. It should be noted that energy system 60 can beintegrated into all types and sizes of buildings and structures as wellas locations requiring energy. As would be understood, system 60 mayeither include fewer components and systems or may include additionalcomponents or systems.

Energy system 60 can integrate any one or more of the heating, cooling,water heating and electrical systems into a mobile and portable unit. Aswould be understood from the above description, energy system 60 ispowered by fuel 18. Using turbine energy generating system 10, energysystem 60 can fulfill the electrical, heating, cooling and/or hot water,and/or potable water needs for a location, building or structure.

The relationship between house 58, home energy system 60, electricgeneration power plant 64 and grid 62 is illustrated in FIG. 8. Homeenergy system 60 can provide at least part of, if not all the electricalneeds of a single location, structure or building, such as house 58.Energy system 60 is integrated with grid 62 at a junction box orswitchboard controller and meter 30 to distribute electrical load in alocation. Either energy system 60 or grid 62 can be the primary systemwith the other system serving as an auxiliary or support system. Whenenergy system 60 produces more electricity than required, the electricalload can be stored in a storage device, such as some type of battery, orreturned back to power grid 62. In systems that are not tied into theelectric company, as a system setup located in a remote or third worldlocation, surplus electrical load can be delivered to a specificlocation over a local grid 62. Alternatively, if surplus electrical loadis returned to grid 62, house with surplus electricity can designate aspecific house or location to receive the electrical load through theelectric company's grid 62. This sharing of electrical loads allows twolocations to exchange electrical loads at a cost lower than purchasingfrom the electric company.

The relationship between a plurality of houses 58 with energy system 60,grid 62, and electric generation power plant 64 is illustrated in FIG.9. Each house 58 may have energy system 60 to satisfy the electricalneeds for that home. However, grid 62 still offers access to electricalpower from electric generation power plant 64 to all homes 58. Energysystem 60 enables homes to save money since power from the electricalcompany is often costly. Furthermore, each home 58 with energy system 60may provide other houses 58 with power if required and desired, asdescribed below. It should be noted that a plurality of locations,structures and building with energy system 60 can also share energy.

The relationship between a plurality of houses 58 with energy systems60, grid 62, electric generation power plant 64, and fuel source 18 isillustrated in FIG. 10. Energy systems 60 only require fuel source 18such as natural gas to provide electrical power, heating and cooling,and/or water heating in a small portable unit.

The relationship between houses 58 with energy systems 60, grid 62,electric generation power plant 64, and central controller 66 overnetwork 70 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Central controller 66 communicateswith houses 58 over network 70 through each house's switchboardcontroller and meter 30, which is coupled to energy system 60 overnetwork 70. Network 70 can be the Internet, an Ethernet network, or awireless network. Central controller 66 can access information such asusage, spending, surpluses and shortages for each energy system 60through switchboard controller and meter 30. Central controller 66 maycontrol distribution of electrical power over grid 62 and communicatewith each energy system 60 to determine the status of each system.Central controller 66 may be configured to track where surpluses existsand draw from surpluses that are accessible and credit houses 58providing electrical power back to grid 62.

Additionally, network 70 enables communication between a plurality ofhouses 58. For example, a specific house 58 a may either request oroffer electricity over network 70 to another house 58 b for direct houseto house exchange and sale of electricity. The spending and usagebetween houses, 58 a and 58 b, may be monitored by central controller 66or by each house individually. Direct distribution of power between theplurality of houses promotes faster distribution of power with lowerpollution than using grid 62.

The relationship between houses 58 with energy systems 60, grid 62,electric generation power plant 64 and central controller 66 overnetwork 70 using power wheeling standards is illustrated in FIG. 12.Central controller 66 uses network connection 72 to control distributionof electrical loads over grid 62 from power plant 64 according to thepower wheeling standards and policies.

For example, house 58 a with energy system 60 a may provide surpluselectricity to energy system 60 b of another house 58 b over grid 62 andfacilitated by central computer 66. Accordingly, central computer 66 maymanage power distribution between plurality of energy systems 60 forfaster and more efficient electric distribution and consumptionaccording to power wheeling standards and policies.

Additionally, energy system 60 a may provide surplus electrical loadback to grid 62 facilitated by central controller 66. Central controller66 tracks both the usage and spending over network 70 of electric loadsover grid 62. Central computer 66 determines the amount of electricalload delivered back to grid 62 from energy system 60 a and puts a crediton the account for house 58 a, which provided the surplus.

The system setup of FIG. 12 with additional sources of fuel 18 isillustrated in FIG. 13. Fuel 18 may come from methane from fossil andbiomass sources. Many types of fuel 18 may be used to power turbineenergy generating system 10 of energy system 60 for the production ofenergy and electrical loads. Energy system 60 may be especially usefulin third world countries where power provided by electric generationpower plants 64 is erratic and inconsistent leading to “brownouts” and“blackouts.” In many parts of the world, there is a lack of electricalinfrastructure of transmission and distribution lines from power plants64.

Energy system 60 with energy generating system 10 eliminates expensivestructural costs to install and deliver products to the consumer over anelectrical infrastructure. Accordingly, this invention provides anadvantageous alternative to receiving electricity from central powerplant 64. Energy system 60 provides a location or plurality of locationswith electricity, heating and cooling, and/or hot water, withoutreliance on a central plant for electricity. Energy system 60effectively utilizes the exhaust heat from turbine energy generationsystem 10 to provide heat and improve the overall efficiency of theentire system.

Referring to FIG. 14, the numeral 110 generally designates anotherembodiment of the turbine energy generating system of the presentinvention. Similar to the previous embodiments, turbine energygenerating system 110 is adapted to convert fuel 118 into electricalpower 128 that can he used immediately, stored for later use, ordelivered to a network for distribution within the network, such as anelectric company grid. In the illustrated embodiment, turbine energygenerating system 110 is adapted to generate high pressure, hightemperature steam energy 130, which is directed into a turbine 114 togenerate electrical power 128 and also to generate, as exhaust, hotwater and steam 132.

Turbine energy generating system 110 includes a combustion chamber 112,a turbine 114, and a generator 116, such as an electric generator andinverter. In the illustrated embodiment, turbine energy generatingsystem 110 is particularly suitable for use as a portable unit that iseasily transportable between locations and buildings. Similar to system10, turbine 114 is configured such that it has an output in a range to 1to 15 kilowatts and more preferably in a range of 5 to 10 kilowatts.Optionally, turbine 114 may have an efficiency of at least 40%, morepreferably at least 50%, and more typically, in a range of 50% to 60%.

Fuel 118 is provided to combustion chamber 112, which converts the fuelinto gaseous heat energy 120 by igniting the air and fuel mixture. Airor an air/gas mixture is injected into chamber 112 through an inlet port(not shown) to control the rate of combustion in chamber 112.

Similar to fuel 18, fuel 118 may include diesel, gasoline, naphtha,propane, methane, natural gas, wood, coal, biomass, lawn clippings, oil,combustible recyclables, such as tires, plastic, and paper products,biogas, or biodiesels. Located in chamber 112 is a high pressure vessel112 a that holds water 112 b, which is heated by gaseous heat energy120. When gaseous heat energy 120 heats water 112 b, water 112 bcirculates in vessel 112 a and produces steam or steam energy 130,including high pressure and high temperature steam or steam energy. Theexhaust heat and gas is then exhausted from chamber 112 through outlet112 c, which preferably includes a filter to remove the harmful waste inthe exhaust.

Chamber 112 may be an open or closed chamber. In addition, chamber 112may be closed with the fuel located exteriorly of the chamber andignited to produce a flame directed onto the chamber rather than in thechamber—in which case the chamber could form the high pressure vessel.

Vessel 112 a is in fluid communication with turbine 114 via a conduit113, which optionally includes a nozzle 113 a, such an expansion nozzle,which introduces or injects steam energy 130 into turbine 114 at ahigher pressure than the pressure of the steam in chamber 112 a or inconduit 113 to increase the output of the turbine 114 for a given steampressure generated in vessel 112 a. Steam energy 130 preferably onlyundergoes expansion after it is injected into turbine 114.

Steam energy 130 provides steam, optionally high temperature and highenergy steam, to the blades of turbine 114, which converts the steamenergy into mechanical energy 122. In addition, during the conversion ofthe steam energy 130 exhaust hot water and steam 132 may also produced.Exhaust water and steam 132 is released from turbine 114, and may bedirected into a storage tank for later use or to a water heating systemfor recycling.

Generator 116 converts mechanical energy 122, which it receives fromturbine 114, into electrical energy 128. Generator 116, like generator16, may include a rotating rotor and a stator. The rotor may be apermanent magnet positioned rotatably within the stator and rotatesrelative to the stator during operation of turbine 114. Mechanicalenergy 122 can be transferred to a shaft from turbine 114 to the rotor,so that the shaft, turbine 114 and rotor of generator 116 rotate inunison at speeds, for example, of up to 90,000 rpms. In smaller portableapplications though, this speed may be more typically in a range of 500to 3000 rpms.

Additionally, like turbine energy generating system 10, turbine energygenerating system 110 is compatible for integration with other energysystems and systems requiring energy, as discussed above.

Referring to FIGS. 15, 16, 18, and 19, one suitable turbine for turbines14 and 114 comprises a compact modular turbine that includes a housing210, a shaft 212, and a paddle wheel 216. Housing 210 includes an inlet210 a, an outlet 210 b, and a chamber 218, which is in fluidcommunication with inlet 210 a and outlet 210 b. Paddle wheel 216 islocated and enclosed in chamber 218 by housing cover 210 c and, furtheris sized such that its outermost diameter is dimensioned to contact theinner surface of chamber 218. In other words, the outermost diameter ofpaddle wheel 216 is approximately equal to the diameter 218 a of chamber218.

As best seen in FIG. 18, shaft 212 extends through housing 210 and issupported in housing wall 210 d and housing cover 210 c in bushings 222a and 222 b and further projects outwardly from housing 210 for couplingto the shaft of the generator. Further, wheel 216 is mounted to shaft212 in chamber 218 and captured in housing 210 closely adjacent to wall210 d of housing 210 by housing cover 210 c, which is secured to housingperimeter wall 210 e by fasteners that extend into respective mountingopenings 210 f provided in housing 210.

Paddle wheel 216 is mounted and rotatably coupled to shaft 212 by acollar 220, which includes a keyway 220 a for receiving a key 220 b thatextends into keyway 212 b provided on shaft 212 to thereby rotatablycouple wheel 216 to shaft 212. In this manner, when paddle wheel 216rotates in housing 210, shaft 212, which is supported in housing 210,will be driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis 212 b.

As best seen in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18, paddle wheel 216 includes acentral circular plate 226 with an enlarged annular flange 228 at itsouter periphery. Plate 226 further includes an annular spacer ring 230,which is provided inwardly of flange 228 and which provides a bearingsurface for wheel 226 for contacting housing wall 210 at central annularseat 210 g. Enlarged annular flange 228 includes a plurality offlattened generally V-shaped notches 232 formed in its outer peripheryto thereby form a plurality of fins 234 that form the turbine blades,which make contact with the inner surface 218 b of cavity 218.

As best understood from FIGS. 16, 18, and 19, cavity 218 is cylindricalin shape and intersects with the cylindrical passageways 236 and 238,which exit housing 210 to form inlet 210 a and 210 b, respectively. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the upper right end (as viewed in FIG. 19)of passageway 236 is open to form inlet 210 a, while the upper left endof passageway 236 is closed. Similarly, the lower right end (as viewedin FIG. 19) of passageway 238 is open to form outlet 210 b, while thelower left end of passageway 238 is closed. It should be understood thatoutlet locations may be provided at the upper left end of passageway 236(with both ends of passageway 238 closed) or at the lower left end ofpassageway 238 (with the right end of passageway 238 and left end ofpassageway 236 being closed). It should be understood that thereferences to right, left, upper, and lower are only used in the contextof the relative positions in the drawings and are not intended to belimiting in anyway.

Referring again to FIG. 19, cylindrical passageways 236 and 238intersect cavity 218 at its outer perimeter 218 c. Such intersectionsform inlet and outlet interfaces 236 a and 238 a, respectively. As notedabove, with the illustrated inlet/outlet configuration one end of eachpassageway (236, 238) is sealed so that when the gaseous heat energy(20, 120) is directed into the inlet the gas will impinge on the fins torotate the wheel 216 in cavity 218, which gas is then exhausted throughthe end of passageway 238 that forms outlet 210 b.

As best seen in FIG. 19, in order to efficiently transfer the gaseousheat energy into rotational movement of wheel 216, the spacing betweenfins 234 is such that fins 234 straddle the intersections of passageways236, 238 with cavity 218. As a result, the spacing between the fins isproportional to the height H of the passageways and the length L of theintersection of the passageways with cavity 218.

As previously described, the turbine shaft (212) of the turbine (14 or114) drives the generator (16 or 116). In the present invention, in someapplications, for example in low pressure applications, it may bepreferable to reduce the drag on the generator. In these applications,the generator is constructed without an iron core. This eliminates theresidual magnetism and, therefore, reduces the torque necessary to drivethe generator.

Further, as would be understood, the generators (16 or 116) may beconfigured to generate DC or AC current. In both applications, thegenerator shaft is mounted with a plurality of magnets, such as rareearth magnets. The number of magnets and the shape of the magnets may bevaried to suit each application.

In the DC application, the magnets are mounted such that the same poles(e.g. the south poles) are directed inwardly to the shaft, while theother poles (e.g. the north poles) are facing outwardly. The magnets arethen located between coils, typically formed from copper wiring. Again,the size, the number of coils, and the gage of the coils may be varieddepending on the application. Further, the coils may be coupled togetherin parallel or in series. Thus, when the generator shaft is driven,which is either coupled to the shaft of the turbine, or is formed by anextension of the shaft of the turbine, a DC current will be generated bythe coils.

In order to maximize the current collection from the generator, thecoils are connected in parallel and each coil circuit may include adiode, which acts as a valve to prevent current from flowing in thereverse direction.

With the AC application, the magnets are mounted to the generator shaftsuch that one group of magnets have their south poles directed inwardlytoward the shaft and the other group has their north poles facingoutwardly from the shaft.

In either application, the generator may be coupled to the end load(that is the home or energy system to which the generator is supplyingenergy) through a switching capacitor circuit, which reduces if noteliminates the load variation on the generator due to the variation inthe power usage at the end load. The switching capacitor circuits arewell known and typically include at least two capacitors, a logiccontroller that is coupled to the generator and to the capacitors andselectively switches between the two capacitors, a second controllerthat is coupled to first controller through the capacitors, and aninverter that couples the second controller to the end load. The firstcontroller switches between the two capacitors when one of thecapacitors reaches saturation. In this manner, the generator is isolatedfrom the variation in load at the end load.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described,other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Forexample, as described above, anyone of the systems could incorporate awater cooling/and or heating extraction system to cool the combustionchamber. For example, the combustion chamber may be cooled with waterwith a heat exchange surface that induces water boiling into steam. Suchgenerated steam could then be condensed yet in another heat exchanger toproduce liquid potable water from a variety of initial cooling watersources. This could be quite a novel advantage for the application ofsuch turbine electric systems, whether using steam to generate theturbine driving energy or natural gas combustion, where safe drinkingwater is desired.

Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in thedrawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, andare not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is definedby the claims, which follow as interpreted under the principles ofpatent law including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

1. A turbine comprising: a housing, said housing having a chamber, aninlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, said inlet passagewayforming an inlet at one end and intersecting with said chamber to forman inlet interface with said chamber wherein said inlet passageway is influid communication with said chamber at said inlet interface, and saidoutlet passageway having an outlet at one end and intersecting with saidchamber to form an outlet interface with said chamber wherein saidoutlet passageway is in fluid communication with said chamber at saidoutlet interface; a shaft rotatably supported in said housing; and awheel with a plurality of turbine blades supported in said chamber bysaid shaft for rotation with said shaft, said turbine blades defining anouter perimeter and defining gaps therebetween, each turbine bladehaving an impingement surface generally aligned along a radial axisextending outwardly from said shaft, each of said gaps being dimensionedfor spanning said inlet interface wherein a respective pair of saidturbine blades is spaced substantially equally to the length of saidinlet interface such that said respective pair of turbine bladesstraddle said inlet interface when said respective pair of turbineblades are aligned at said inlet interface, wherein when a fluid isdirected into said housing through said inlet the fluid will impinge onone of said blades of said respective pair of turbine blades and inducerotation of said wheel about said shaft.
 2. The turbine according toclaim 1, wherein said wheel has an outer flange, said turbine bladesformed at said outer flange.
 3. The turbine according to claim 2,wherein said wheel is closed in said chamber by a cover.
 4. The turbineaccording to claim 3, wherein said chamber has an inner diameter and adepth, said flange having a width approximately equal to said depth, andsaid wheel having an outermost diameter at said blades approximatelyequal to said inner diameter of said chamber wherein the gaps formedbetween said flange and said blades and said inner diameter of saidchamber can be filled with the fluid, and when said wheel is rotatedwith said shaft in said housing at least a portion of the fluid may beexpelled through said outlet.
 5. A turbine comprising: a housing, saidhousing having a chamber, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway,said inlet passageway having an outer periphery and an inlet at one endof said passageway, said inlet passageway intersecting with said chamberand forming an inlet interface at said chamber, said outer periphery ofsaid inlet passageway forming a tangent with said chamber at said inletinterface, said outlet passageway having an outer periphery and anoutlet at one end of said outlet passageway, said outlet passagewayintersecting with said chamber and forming an outlet interface at saidchamber, said outer periphery of said outlet passageway forming atangent with said chamber at said outlet interface; and a wheel havingplurality of turbine blades supported in said chamber by a shaft forrotation in a direction about an axis of rotation, each of said turbineblades having a blade surface generally aligned along a radial axisextending from said shaft, and said inlet interface directing fluid fromsaid inlet to said chamber in a direction generally parallel to saidtangent at said inlet interface wherein when the fluid is directed intosaid housing through said inlet the fluid will impinge and impart agenerally orthogonal force on said blade surface and induce rotation ofsaid wheel about said axis of rotation.
 6. The turbine according toclaim 5, wherein said inlet passageway is formed by a transversepassageway extending through said housing, one end of said transversepassageway being closed and the other end of said transverse passagewayforming said inlet, and an intermediate portion of said transversepassageway forming said inlet interface.
 7. The turbine according toclaim 5, wherein said outlet passageway is formed by a transversepassageway extending through said housing, said transverse passagewayintersecting said chamber, one end of said transverse passageway beingclosed and the other end of said transverse passageway forming saidoutlet, and an intermediate portion of said transverse passagewayforming said outlet interface.
 8. The turbine according to claim 5,wherein said wheel is closed in said chamber by a cover.
 9. The turbineaccording to claim 8, wherein said wheel has a flange at its perimeter,and said blades being formed at said flange.
 10. The turbine accordingto claim 9, wherein said blades are formed in said flange.
 11. Theturbine according to claim 10, wherein said chamber has an innerdiameter and a depth, said flange having a width approximately equal tosaid depth, and said wheel having an outermost diameter at said bladesat least approximately equal to said inner diameter of said chamberwherein the gaps formed between said flange and said blades and saidinner diameter of said chamber can be filled with said fluid, and whensaid wheel is rotated with said shaft in said housing the fluid may beexpelled through said outlet.
 12. A turbine comprising: a housing, saidhousing having a chamber, an inlet passageway, and first and secondoutlet passageways, wherein said inlet passageway is substantiallycoaxial with said first outlet passageway, said inlet passageway havingan end forming an inlet at said chamber, each of said first and secondoutlet passageways having a respective end forming first and secondoutlets at said chamber, wherein at least one of said first and secondoutlets is selectively closeable; said chamber intersecting said inletpassageway to form an inlet interface with said inlet passageway, andsaid chamber intersecting said first and second outlet passageways toform respective first and second outlet interfaces with said first andsecond outlet passageways; and a wheel having plurality of turbineblades supported in said chamber by a shaft for rotation in a directionabout an axis of rotation, each of said turbine blades having a bladesurface generally aligned along a radial axis extending from said shaft,and said inlet interface directing fluid from said inlet to said chamberin a direction generally parallel to said tangent at said inletinterface wherein when the fluid is directed into said housing throughsaid inlet the fluid will impinge and impart a generally orthogonalforce on said blade surface and induce rotation of said wheel about saidaxis of rotation, and when said wheel is rotated with said shaft in saidhousing the fluid may be expelled through one or both of said first andsecond outlets.
 13. The turbine of claim 12, further comprising a secondinlet passageway having an end and forming a second inlet at said end ofsaid second inlet passageway at said chamber, said chamber intersectingsaid second inlet passageway to form a second inlet interface with saidsecond inlet passageway.
 14. The turbine of claim 13, wherein at leastone of said inlet and said second inlet is selectively closeable, 15.The turbine of claim 13, wherein said second inlet passageway issubstantially coaxial with said second outlet passageway.
 16. A turbinecomprising: a housing, said housing having a chamber, a single inletpassageway defining an inlet passageway axis, and a single outletpassageway defining an outlet passageway axis, wherein said outletpassageway axis is substantially parallel to said inlet passageway axis,said inlet passageway having an end forming an inlet at said chamber,and said outlet passageway having an end forming an outlet at saidchamber; said chamber intersecting said inlet passageway to form aninlet interface with said inlet passageway, and said chamberintersecting said outlet passageway to form an outlet interface withsaid outlet passageway; and a wheel having plurality of turbine bladessupported in said chamber by a shaft for rotation in a direction aboutan axis of rotation, each of said turbine blades having a blade surfacegenerally aligned along a radial axis extending from said shaft, andsaid inlet interface directing fluid from said inlet to said chamberwherein when the fluid is directed into said housing through said inletthe fluid will impinge and impart a generally orthogonal force on saidblade surface and induce rotation of said wheel about said axis ofrotation.
 17. The turbine of claim 16, wherein said inlet passageway issubstantially coaxial with said outlet passageway.
 18. The turbine ofclaim 16, wherein at least one of said inlet passageway and said outletpassageway is formed by a transverse passageway extending through saidhousing, said transverse passageway intersecting said chamber, one endof said transverse passageway being closed and the other end of saidtransverse passageway forming said inlet passageway or said outletpassageway, and an intermediate portion of said transverse passagewayforming said inlet interface or said outlet interface.
 19. The turbineof claim 16, wherein said inlet passageway has an outer periphery, saidouter periphery of said inlet passageway forming a tangent with saidchamber at said inlet interface, said outlet passageway having an outerperiphery, said outer periphery forming a tangent with said chamber atsaid outlet interface.
 20. A turbine comprising: a housing, said housinghaving a recess on one side thereof forming a housing wall and a coverover said recess for forming a chamber with said housing wall in saidrecess, and said housing further having an inlet passageway forming aninlet at one end of said inlet passageway and an outlet passagewayforming an outlet at one end of said outlet passageway, each of saidinlet passageway and said outlet passageway intersecting said chamberwherein said passageways are in fluid communication with said chamber; ashaft rotatably supported in said housing about an axis of rotation,said inlet passageway and said outlet passageway each being positionedalong respective tangent lines to said chamber at their respectiveintersections with said chamber, said inlet passageway being formed by atransverse passageway extending through said housing, one end of saidtransverse passageway being closed and the other end of said transversepassageway forming said inlet, and an intermediate portion of saidtransverse passageway forming said intersection of said inlet passagewaywith said chamber; a central circular plate mounted to said shaft insaid chamber; a flange at an outer perimeter of said central circularplate; and a plurality of turbine blades at said flange, each saidturbine blades sandwiched between said housing wall and said cover andhaving a blade surface extending along a radial axis from said shaft,and when fluid is directed into said chamber through said inlet thefluid will impinge and impart a force on said blade surface and inducerotation of said shaft.
 21. The turbine according to claim 20, whereinsaid blades are formed in said flange.
 22. The turbine according toclaim 20, wherein said outlet passageway is formed by a secondtransverse passageway extending through said housing, said secondtransverse passageway intersecting said chamber to thereby form saidintersection of said outlet passageway, one end of said secondtransverse passageway being closed, and the other end of said secondtransverse passageway forming said outlet.
 23. The turbine according toclaim 20, wherein said central circular plate includes an annularbearing surface radially inward of said flange, and said cover includesa central annular seat, said bearing surface of said circular platealigning with said central annular seat.
 24. The turbine according toclaim 20, wherein said chamber has an inner diameter, and said wheelhaving an outer diameter approximately equal to said inner diameter ofsaid chamber.